Jagran Prakashan reports 28% increase in revenues for 2005-06
Phenomenal growth in bottom line

New Delhi, April 18, 2006: Jagran Prakashan Ltd. (JPL), publishers of 'Dainik Jagran', India's largest-selling newspaper, has reported 28 per cent growth in total income of Rs 483.53 crore in the financial year ended March 31, 2006 as against Rs 377.37 crore in the previous financial year 2004-05. Net profit during the year increased phenomenally to Rs 32.01 crore as compared to Rs 1.23 crore in the previous financial year.

During fourth quarter of the fiscal, JPL recorded revenue of Rs 130.88 crore while net profit was Rs 13 crore.

The sharp improvement in operational performance was marked by increase in advertising revenues, increased circulation coupled with higher per copy realization. It was also accompanied by cost optimization.

The advertisement revenue increased by 32 % to Rs 306.62 crore, which was driven by increase in local advertising as well as color advertising. JPL is adding color printing capacity across its various centers, which would further provide impetus to advertising growth. The year saw a 8.8% increase in the number of copies sold during the last fiscal. This was also accompanied by increase in cover price by Re 0.50 to Re 1.00 amongst several editions.

The optimization of consumption between imported and indigenous newsprint led to significant cost savings. The rationalization of employee strength also added to the savings.

The operating margin improved to 15.8% during the fiscal as compared to 7% in the previous fiscal. The earnings per share (EPS) stood at Rs 8.37 for FY 2005-06, marking a phenomenal growth over the previous year.

During the last quarter, Jagran Prakashan came out with an IPO to raise Rs 321.25 crore. The issue met with an overwhelming success and IPO was oversubscribed 14 times.

"We aim to establish Jagran Prakashan as a leading player in all of its businesses - be it in publication, out of home (OOH) advertising, promotional marketing and event management services. We are thankful to all our shareholders who have reposed their faith in us and we shall remain committed to them," said Mr. Mahendra Mohan Gupta, chairman and managing director of Jagran Prakashan Limited.

About Jagran Prakashan Limited

Jagran Prakashan Limited is a leading media house of India which publishes Dainik Jagran, India's largest read and highest circulated daily with a total readership of 19.07 million readers per day (as per IRS 2006 R1) and 21.24 million readers per day (as per NRS 2005).

Established in 1942, Dainik Jagran was the brainchild of the renowned Indian Freedom fighter, Late Shri Puran Chandra Gupta. The first edition was launched from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh in 1942. Dainik Jagran is now published in 28 editions across 10 states from 28 different facilities. The 29th edition of Dainik Jagran is being launched from Indore from April 20, 2006. The group publishes Sakhi, a monthly magazine targeted at women. The group also publishes Jagran Varshiki, an annual general knowledge digest, and various national and state statistical compilations.

Jagran Engage, a newly created division provides specialized 'Out of Home' advertising services with a Pan-India footprint. It is headed by Mr. Indrajit Sen, ex president, Prime Sites, a division of Mudra Communications.

Jagran Solutions provides below the line activities like promotional marketing, event management and on ground activities having pan India presence. The company's portal www.jagran.com is the most visited Hindi portal in the world. The company provides IVR/AVR/SMS services through its short code service 7272.